TheNumberNine

I need some snowshoes for Denali... also an avy beacon... anyone have anything?

Thanks for the pants! They fit great and are in immaculate conditions. Great seller!!

I've been SUPER stoked off the Kelty light year 15 degree bag. It's down... but it packs down so nicely and it's so comfy and warm. Consider it! It's cheap too!

First death of the season... Sad sad news. Heavy snow conditions can really mask the danger of those lurking crevasses. Rest in peace, Tucker.

I just got my hands on this delightfully warm and comfy First Ascent Peak XV down parka. I'm planning on using it for my Denali climb next month. For anyone who's been up there.. What was your layering system on the mountain? I have a marmot synthetic insulating piece that's about 1.5x as thick as the mountain hardwear compressor. I'm thinking about leaving it behind due to bulk and extra weight. I did a winter climb of Rainier in March and wore a base layer, TNF lightweight running fleece, patagonia nanopuff hoody, and my Arc alpha SV throwing the marmot insulator on during rest breaks, around camp, etc. Could I get by with that same layering system replacing the marmot with the peak xv? For legs I'm bringing long underwear, soft shell pants, first ascent igniter pants, and my ARC beta AR shell pants. comments, concerns, suggestions?

OR is awesome. The customer service rep couldn't find soles so he's sending me a brand new set of overboots.. WOOT!

Nice! No problem. Glad it worked out for you. +1 for OR... They're sending me brand new replacement overboots for free!

Sweet pic! I didn't mean 'walk' so much.... more like 'route'

OR gets a thumbs up. Fast customer service response (1 day)

I was thinking about going in early December-early January. I'm thinking of pursuing the classic Linda Glacier walk (is that the NW ridge?) How much money should I have saved for a Cook+Aspiring twofer in one trip to NZ out of California?

What about super-hot American girls that can shred tough routes faster than you can? I seem to be hooked on those at the moment... So is an ascent of Cook or Aspiring a 15 hour jaunt out of a hut and back? Sounds kind of quick... I guess planning this Denali expedition in June has me thinking that every climb should take at least 2-3 weeks What kind of protection are you placing on the way up (if any)? Pickets+running belays, ice screws+quick draws? Is there any protection already put in? I'm assuming the standard routes don't require vertical ice skills.

^I'll keep my fingers crossed that this doesn't change...haha

Dane... Send an email http://www.arcteryx.com/Service-Forms.aspx?EN That's how I managed to get in touch with them. They've been really good about getting back to me!

CHYEAH BRO!

The boot isn't too snug..I feel like breaking them in has helped. I'm not quite sure I get what you're saying... I plan on wearing the socks on both feet?

First Ascent guide gloves are also good, durable, warm enough, gloves for mountaineering. I've seen people wearing them on Rainier in the March without cold hands.

Hell yeah! Are you going guided or independent? What Route? Oh man I can't wait. I leave in 5 weeks!!

Those pics are sweet. What a beautiful mountain!! It's going on the "to do" list

I've had the pleasure of dealing with Arc'Teryx recently for a multitude of gear issues ranging from issues with my pack to an ice axe through my alpha sv shell. Their service has been nothing short of stellar. Osprey has been pretty good to me in the past as well though it took a couple correspondences before I finally got the part I needed for my talon 33. Which companies rock in customer service? Which companies are lacking?

Sent them an email. Lets hope their customer service is on par with Arc'Teryx!

more likely to me a hottie tourist or transplant climber chica than an actual kiwi Hot tourist chicks/climbers does the trick too

How long in is the hike from Wanaka? Would you say that you could spend a good 2 weeks in the area for some worthwhile climbing?

It's a great route. I did it last July.. I believe we started at the Northgate trailhead at 7k. Great weather, great conditions, awesome climb. Not sure what this May will look like but good luck! The Bolam gully up to the Shark's tooth gets the heart going!!

Awesome comparisons between NZ and Cascades right there, mate. Perhaps someday when I'm a true Pooh-Bah I'll attempt Cook (assuming it hasn't completely fallen apart by then)

Do I need some sort of space-age material that has a R-value of 321234123? I was hoping to be able to find some material at the hardware store or cut a sleeping pad or something. Would that be warm enough?